…to lobby for stipend for members

UNDER the theme “Community Policing: Partners in the promotion of a safe and secure nation,” members of Community Policing Groups (CPG) celebrated their 43rd Anniversary on Saturday with a route walk which culminated at the Leonora Track and Field Centre, West Coast Demerara.

The members were reminded that their volunteerism has made a tremendously impact on the results of the Guyana Police Force. Several CPGs members received certificates of appreciation for the work they have done over the years.

Based on the requests from members of CPG’s, Ramjattan said that a proposal will be made to the Minister of Finance for a stipend for the voluntary work being done to keep communities safe. Adding that the idea is on the table once more resources are available, the Public Security Minister said, “as best as our resources could provide, we are going to make the argument that certain stipends come your way.”

He noted that the work of the CPGs does not go unnoticed, explaining that their efforts at curbing crime in the communities are significant especially among young people who have acknowledged that they play a critical role in creating a safe environment along with the police.

“We have been getting better results because of your participation, you must continue doing that because when you do that, you help the country’s security… so I want to urge that you maintain this steadfastness of being on the ground because it helps the country, it helps the community, it helps the county,” Ramjattan said.

He reiterated that better days are ahead as more resources will be made available for CPGs to get the job done. At the launch of the CPGs month of activities in March, it was revealed that Guyana’s borders are now strengthened with the establishment of CPGs in several hinterland regions.
Additionally, in 2017, there were just over 5,000 patrols carried out by CPGs compared to over 9,000 carried out in 2018, a significant increase which has proven to be fruitful.
“I want to urge that you play your role, and we as ministers will play ours. We will try to expand the amount of funding that goes into CPGs and make lots more available to you,” the minister said.

Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle said community policing is in essence, a collaboration between the police and the community that identifies and solves community problems. He explained that reinvigorating communities is essential if “we are to deter crime and create safer neighbourhoods.”
In some communities, he said it will take time to break down barriers of apathy and mistrust so that meaningful partnerships can be forged.

Further, the commander said a foundation of trust will allow police to form close relationships with the community that will produce solid achievements. “Without trust between police and citizens, effective policing is impossible,” Cooper said.